Sukala said there was evidence that creatine, a naturally occurring acid that supplies the muscles with energy, increased muscle mass and power, as well as enabled the body to recover more effectively during intense exercise.

"There's a lot of experimental research out there that shows it in fact does work, and in the sea of supplements out there, there's a lot of evidence for it," Sukala said.

"When you take creatine it loads the muscles with extra phosphate that can very quickly replenish the energy stocks while they're doing exercise."

Sukala said it was commonly used by athletes looking for more "high intensity and explosive energy" in sports like rugby, and especially among those doing weights training.

He also said for most people creatine was safe.

"For the most part and for most people creatine isn't really going to hurt anyone," Sukala said. "We don't have a massive body count associated with creatine use because it's generally safe."

Some experts have advised people to use the supplement for only eight weeks at a time at critical points in the sporting season along with weights training for maximum results.

On the downside, the supplement has been known to cause stomach cramping, and diarrhea and nausea can occur when too much creatine is used at once. It's recommended that doses be spread out over a day and taken with meals.

People with kidney problems should think twice about using creatine.

Sukala said people with underlying health conditions should use the substance with caution, while there could also be issues for those prone to kidney problems.